Q: What steps do you take when you know a prisoner is being abused?

A: Encourage your loved one to attempt to handle it at the facility level first by filing a grievance and/or attempt to contact the following staff in this order: inmate's Counselor, Chief Counselor, Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment, Warden, and then, Ombudsman staff. Inmates may write to the Ombudsman staff. We prefer that the inmate utilizes the inmate grievance process first; however, we do understand that there are some issues that require immediate attention.

Encourage your loved one to attempt to handle it at the facility level first by filing a grievance and/or attempt to contact the following staff in this order: inmate's Counselor, Chief Counselor, Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment, Warden, and then, Ombudsman staff. Inmates may write to the Ombudsman staff. We prefer that the inmate utilizes the inmate grievance process first; however, we do understand that there are some issues that require immediate attention.

The Ombudsman Unit was created by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) to act as a bridge between the concerned citizens and GDC by gathering information that potentially uncovers and reduces problems within the corrections system thus ensuring the rights and safety of offenders are protected.

It is the goal of the Ombudsman unit to be impartial, to provide an objective view, and resolve issues by utilizing fair, consistent, and respectful practices which are outlined by policies, procedures, and laws. If the facility is acting within policy the Ombudsman unit does not have the authority to direct them to do otherwise. However, if we look into a concern and it is revealed that there is room for improvement the appropriate GDC staff will be notified.

You may contact the Ombudsman Unit at 478-992-5358 or Ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov